Recap
“Can I get you another drink?” Qin Shi offered. “My treat.”
This was the second offer of free drinks today. “Can I order anything I want?” Long Shiyu asked, his eyes widening.
“Of course,” Qin Shi chuckled. “It’s just juice.”
“Few people say that to me,” Long Shiyu said gratefully, accepting the menu.
Qin Shi felt a flicker of unease, a sense of dissonance he couldn’t quite place.
As Long Shiyu perused the drink options, Qin Shi’s terminal buzzed with a message. He glanced at it, then set it facedown on the table, his fingers drumming nervously as he waited.
The terminal buzzed again. The notification clearly displayed the sender: “Chief.”
Long Shiyu was holding a bowl of double skin milk*.
*(
Chinese dessert made of milk, egg whites, and sugar. Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_skin_milk )
Qin Shi caught up, forcing a smile. “How’s the double skin milk?” he asked.
“Delicious,” Long Shiyu replied, his eyes already fixed on another food stall.
They had just left the coffee shop, its supply of fresh fruit completely decimated by Long Shiyu’s impressive appetite. The owner had stared at them, speechless, as they departed.
“You have quite the appetite,” Qin Shi remarked, narrowing his eyes. “Unusual, but I suppose being able to eat is a blessing.” He hoped this thinly veiled comment about Long Shiyu’s excessive consumption would raise a red flag.
He had volunteered for this assignment. As a veteran hunter, he had known Shen Chaomu in the early years, before their falling out. Their current animosity made him the perfect candidate for Qiu Ruowen’s investigation.
“I have a bit of a sweet tooth,” Long Shiyu admitted.
“Really?” Qin Shi chuckled. “That’s…unusual. Hasn’t Shen Chaomu taken you to a doctor? It’s not healthy.”
“No, I don’t like doctors.”
“I would take you. I hate doctors myself, especially injections. But it’s good to prioritize your health. I know people at Star City’s military hospital. We could go together when we return.”
Long Shiyu, having finished his double skin milk, approached the kebab stall, piling his plate high with skewers of beef, chicken gizzards, and lamb.
Qin Shi’s smile faltered as he reluctantly paid. He hadn’t brought much cash, accustomed to the frugality of mission life. This was a mistake.
How can anyone eat so much?
As Long Shiyu continued his culinary rampage, Qin Shi messaged Qiu Ruowen. “Chief, I’ve identified the source of Shen Chaomu’s excessive food expenses.”
There was no reply. She was likely still occupied with the Cerberus situation.
“Can I request reimbursement for this mission?” he added cautiously.
“I really don’t like hospitals,” Long Shiyu declared, returning to their previous conversation.
“It’s always good to get checked out. I won’t force you, but if there’s a problem, let me know.” Qin Shi trailed after him. “If I were Shen Chaomu, I would have searched the entire universe for a cure.”
“But you’re not him,” Long Shiyu said simply.
The words stung. Qin Shi fumbled for a response.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” he finally said.
“What is it?”
“About the bar. It was my fault. I didn’t realize the succubus was impersonating a companion. I almost got you killed.”
“It’s okay,” Long Shiyu said dismissively, chewing on a piece of beef. “Shen Chaomu arrived in time.”
“You were alone with him before he got there, weren’t you? He didn’t attack you. You were lucky.”
“Yes.” Long Shiyu, his attention on his food, started on the lamb skewers.
Qin Shi sighed internally.
“Shen Chaomu might not have told you,” he began, “but there are inconsistencies in the association records. ‘Behemoth’ and ‘Viper’ claim you defeated them in the underground arena without even trying. And you were at the circus when Wilpan appeared. Not to mention those anomalies in Bei En. You can’t hide these things forever.”
There wasn’t enough evidence to prove Long Shiyu was a strange beast, but both he and Qiu Ruowen knew the truth. However, accusing Shen Chaomu without concrete proof was impossible, especially given his family’s influence and his own talent. What worried Qin Shi most was Qiu Ruowen’s lack of urgency. She was the one with the power to act against Shen Chaomu, yet she seemed content to wait.
His partner in Tabu was a young hunter who had interacted with Shen Chaomu during the wildfire operation. He was an ideal source of information, seemingly innocuous, unaware of the association’s suspicions.
But after two days, Qin Shi couldn’t bear it any longer. The young hunter was a Shen Chaomu fanatic. Every night, he would gush about his idol, showing off his autographed photo and excitedly recounting Shen Chaomu’s most impressive battles.
“And,” the young hunter had declared, “Mr. Shen’s taste in music is impeccable. The lyrics are so profound, like ‘you son of a turtle, crawl for me.’ Very educational.”
Qin Shi was baffled.
With the chief’s approval, he approached Long Shiyu during Shen Chaomu’s absence. He wasn’t worried about alerting them. Long Shiyu didn’t seem particularly powerful, only displaying his strength in moments of crisis. His true target was Shen Chaomu.
Long Shiyu, having devoured the skewers, was now sampling grilled oysters, their aroma enhanced by ginger, onions, and garlic. He ordered a dozen.
Qin Shi winced as he paid, regretting his lack of cash.
How can he eat so much?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Long Shiyu said between mouthfuls. “I was tricked into that boxing match, and I went to the circus because they were hiring. You can check their recruitment records.”
Qin Shi smiled. “I know you don’t trust me. But have you considered the consequences for Shen Chaomu if the association discovers the truth?”
He followed Long Shiyu to the next stall. “There have been hunters who associated with strange beasts, but they were mostly harmless creatures like you. If you explain to the association and willingly go to trial, the punishment won’t be severe. It won’t affect Shen Chaomu.”
“He’s a candidate for chief. This could ruin his career.”
“I’m offering this because I care about my friend. You don’t want to harm him, do you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Long Shiyu replied innocently, savoring another oyster.
Qin Shi almost believed him.
Regardless, he had planted the seed. Now, he would observe. Ideally, Long Shiyu would confess to the association.
Unlike what Qin Shi had implied, the hunters who received leniency had extenuating circumstances, and the association’s definition of “harmless” was strict. There was the hunter with a pet tree spirit who was caught dancing with it at night. And the one with a monstrously strong kitten. And the one who kept a magic chicken named Colonel Chicken Nugget…
Long Shiyu, despite his apparent weakness, didn’t seem to fit the “harmless” category.
He moved on to the next food stall.
Qin Shi glanced at his terminal’s balance. Zero. Completely wiped out.
“The association just sent an urgent message,” he announced, forcing a smile. “I have to go.”
“Okay. Goodbye,” Long Shiyu said with a casualness that suggested he hadn’t registered a word of their conversation.
“Shiyu, please consider my suggestion,” Qin Shi pleaded.
Long Shiyu’s brow furrowed. “In Star City,” he said slowly, “the monster alarm sounded before you took me to the bar.”
“What?”
“The association’s alarm about the succubus. It happened before you invited me.” Long Shiyu’s gaze sharpened. “I’m curious what would happen if the Hunter Association discovered a hunter took an ordinary person to a place with monsters.”
Qin Shi, frustrated and defeated, retreated. Shen Chaomu was a bastard, and his companion was clearly just as bad.
He returned to the aircraft, still awaiting a response from Qiu Ruowen. He fretted about the reimbursement, messaging the finance department with an inquiry. His entire paycheck had vanished in a matter of hours.
As he walked through a deserted alley, Long Shiyu’s words echoed in his mind: “But you’re not him.”
A wave of jealousy washed over him, bitter and intense.
A woman’s scream cut through his thoughts. Spiritual energy flared. Qin Shi rushed toward the sound.
He rounded a corner and found an orc woman hobbling toward him, her face bloodied, her ankle twisted, her shoes lost in her frantic escape.
He flashed his hunter badge. “I’m with the Hunter Association,” he announced. “Do you need assistance?”
Relief flooded the woman’s face. She clutched his arm, seeking shelter behind him.
Qin Shi peered down the alley. A shadowy figure flickered at the far end, its spiritual energy dark and menacing. Had the shadows just moved?
An aircraft roared overhead, its noise a distant intrusion in the narrow alley.
“We need to leave,” he said to the woman, pulling her along. He readied his signal gun and drew his weapon. As he aimed, the woman screamed again.
His right arm was gone.
Blood sprayed from the severed limb.
Qin Shi staggered back, his vision blurring. He fought to remain conscious, his hunter’s instincts keeping him facing the unseen attacker. Escape was impossible.
The woman collapsed, unconscious.
Footsteps approached, their rhythm unhurried, crushing fallen leaves and echoing against the pavement.
A figure emerged from the shadows – a handsome man with a chilling smile and a blood-red rose pinned to his chest. Its petals, layered like delicate origami, marked it as a rare and expensive bloom.
“My apologies,” the man said, his voice smooth and cultured. “I accidentally took your hand in the heat of the moment.”
Qin Shi gritted his teeth, his left hand gripping his gun, spiritual energy coiling within him. But the blood loss was taking its toll, his vision swimming.
“Our first meeting wasn’t ideal,” the man continued, his smile widening, “but let’s make a deal.”
…
Shen Chaomu followed Bai Yiyi through several grand hallways, arriving at an indoor garden. Meticulously maintained, it showcased a variety of rare plants arranged in intricate patterns. Artificial light bathed the space in a warm glow, and the gentle sound of water trickling over roots filled the air.
“These are the finest specimens,” Bai Yiyi said with a smile. “If any catch your eye, Mr. Shen, do let me know. Consider it a gift for visiting Tabu.”
“That’s not necessary,” Shen Chaomu replied. “I’m not particularly fond of flowers.” He thought of Long Shiyu, who seemed to have a penchant for collecting flowers and adorning him with them.
They strolled through the expansive garden, reaching a door at the far end. Beyond lay another vast chamber, filled with plants encased in individual glass containers, like the birdcages from earlier. These specimens were even more exotic and valuable than those in the garden, their vibrant colors and unique forms a testament to their rarity.
The Light Snow Rose was among them.
As Bai Yiyi approached, her terminal rang. Her expression changed as she read the message.
“Is it the association?” Shen Chaomu asked, surprised by her reaction.
Bai Yiyi shook her head, biting her lip. “Mr. Shen, excuse me for a moment.”
“Should I leave?”
“No, it’s fine.” She forced a smile, her eyes betraying her anxiety. “I’ll just be over here.”
She hurried to a corner, her back to Shen Chaomu as she answered the call. He wasn’t one to pry, but the enclosed space carried her hushed voice.
“Yes…yes, I’m at the Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern District.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll speak with Yiyi later, Father.”
“Yes, I’ll return to the association soon.”
The call ended. Bai Yiyi took a deep breath and returned to Shen Chaomu, her smile firmly back in place. “My apologies, Mr. Shen,” she said. “Yiyi was throwing a tantrum. My mother couldn’t calm him, so Father called me directly.”
Bai Yi was Bai Yiyi’s ten-year-old brother. Unlike the fading Mermaid Dynasty in Bei En, the Orcish Dynasty still held absolute power in Tabu. The Alliance, wary of this power, maintained a delicate balance.
“Let’s continue,” Bai Yiyi said, gesturing toward the rose. “It’s just ahead.”
She led the way, but Shen Chaomu’s spiritual sense detected her lingering fear. A strand of silver hair clung to her cheek, damp with sweat. She had been deeply unsettled by that short call.
Five minutes later, the Light Snow Rose was his.
As they descended, Bai Yiyi turned to him at the entrance. “I’m heading in a different direction, Mr. Shen,” she said. “Farewell for now. But don’t forget your promise. I’ll collect on that favor.” Her smile held a veiled threat.
The price for the rose was Shen Chaomu’s compliance in some future conflict, the specifics deliberately vague. It could be anything from conceding an argument to withdrawing from the race for chief. Shen Chaomu knew the rose itself wasn’t worth such a price.
He didn’t know where to find another Light Snow Rose. He might eventually, but the situation then, and Shen Di’s involvement, were unpredictable. He wouldn’t risk Long Shiyu’s safety.
He agreed to her terms.
Shen Chaomu always kept his promises. Bai Yiyi knew this.
“I made a fool of myself today,” she admitted before leaving, her voice hesitant.
She was still embarrassed by her momentary lapse of composure. People were always curious about the royal family, especially the king and princess.
“I won’t tell anyone,” Shen Chaomu assured her.
Bai Yiyi, surprised by his straightforwardness, smiled faintly. “Thank you, Mr. Shen.”
Their exchange ended. They would never be the type to confide in each other.
She departed.
Shen Chaomu joined Shen Zhengwei in the car. “You actually got the rose,” Shen Zhengwei remarked. “And so quickly. You two even seem to be on good terms.”
Shen Chaomu gave a noncommittal smile.
His terminal buzzed. He saw the link Lu Shanhuai had sent.
[President, Madam…]
Dread washed over him. He quickly locked the screen.
“What’s wrong?” Shen Zhengwei asked, curious.
“Nothing,” Shen Chaomu replied, his mind racing. He would ask Yang Zhiming about novel-blocking software when he returned.
Shen Zhengwei, bored, turned on the car’s projection system. It displayed Tabu news. A rabbit-eared newscaster, dressed in a suit, reported on the wildfire.
“We interrupt with breaking news,” he suddenly announced.
The image switched to a forested area with an abandoned ancient city. It was a remote location, sometimes used by the Chamber of Commerce as a temporary storage site.
Trees toppled, spiritual energy crackled, and leaves swirled in the wind.
“This appears to be another attack against the Zhanshu Chamber of Commerce,” the newscaster reported, his voice rising with excitement. “Mercenaries are clashing with the Star Police. The situation is tense. Negotiators are en route…”
Shen Chaomu watched as the drone footage showed the standoff, gunshots echoing, stray bullets scarring the ancient stone. Both sides were entrenched, but in the middle of the chaos…
“What is that?” the newscaster exclaimed. “Why is there someone eating noodles?”
Amidst the smoke and debris, a young man squatted by the roadside, calmly consuming a bowl of instant noodles.
A silly dragon.
A happy silly dragon.
Shen Chaomu’s expression darkened.
___
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